Reyataz

Generic name: Atazanavir sulphate

What is Reyataz?

Reyataz is used to treat people who are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); it is used in combination with other anti-HIV drugs. Reyataz is a protease inhibitor, and helps to block HIV protease, an enzyme that is needed for the virus to multiply.

What is the most important information I should know about Reyataz?

Reyataz does not cure HIV infection or AIDS. Reyataz does not lower your chance of passing HIV to other people through sexual contact, sharing needles, or being exposed to your blood.

Who should not take Reyataz?

You should not take Reyataz if you are allergic or sensitive to any of its ingredients.

See "What are possible food and drug interactions associated with this medication?" below for important information about what drugs you cannot take at the same time as Reyataz.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Reyataz?

Tell your doctor about all the medications you take including prescription and nonprescription medication. Also talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding. Also tell your doctor if you have liver problems or are infected with hepatitis B or C virus, or if you have end-stage kidney disease, diabetes, or hemophilia.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Patients Who Have Never Taken Anti-HIV Medication Before

Adults: The usual dose is 400 milligrams (mg) once daily with food.

Patients Who Have Taken Anti-HIV Medication Before

Adults: The usual dose is 300 mg plus 100 mg of Norvir (ritonavir) once daily with food.

Children 6 to 18 years: Dosing is based on body weight not to exceed the adult dose.

How should I take Reyataz?

Take Reyataz once every day, with food, exactly as instructed by your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Reyataz?

You should avoid taking Reyataz with the medications listed in the next section as taking them in combination may cause serious, life-threatening side effects or death.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Reyataz?

If Reyataz is taken with certain drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Reyataz with amiodarone, amitriptyline, atorvastatin, bepridil, cisapride, cyclosporine, desipramine, doxepin, ergot medicines (dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, and methylergonovine), fluticasone, imipramine, indinavir, irinotecan, lidocaine, lovastatin, midazolam, pimozide, protyiptyline, quinidine, rifampin, rosuvastatin, sameterol, sildenafil, simvastatin, sirolimus, St. John's wort, tacrolimus, tadalafil, triazolam, trimipramine, trazodone, vardenafil, voriconazole, warfarin

What are the possible side effects of Reyataz?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: nausea, headache, stomach pain, womiting, diarrhea, depression, fever, dizziness, trouble sleeping, and numbness, tingling or burning of hands or feet and muscle pain.

If you develop a rash with any of the following symptoms, stop using Reyataz and call your doctor right away: shortness of breath, "flulike" symptoms, fever, muscle or joint aches, conjunctivitis (red or inflamed eyes, "pink eyes"), blisters, mouth sores, swelling of your face.

Can I receive Reyataz if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Reyataz during pregnancy are unknown. Only take Reyataz if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. You should not breastfeed if you are HIV-positive because of the chance of passing HIV to your baby. It is not known if Reyataz can pass into your breast milk or if it can harm your baby.

Your doctor should register you in the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry by calling 1-800-258-4263.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Reyataz?

If you miss a dose of Reyataz, take it as soon as possible and then take your next scheduled dose at its regular time. If it is within 6 hours of your next dose, do not take the missed dose. Wait and take the next dose at the regular time. Do not take 2 doses at one time. It is important that you do not miss any doses of Reyataz or your other anti-HIV medications.

How should I store Reyataz?

Store at room temperature.